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Two Ontario worker deaths result in a call for action

After two construction-related deaths in one week, the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is looking to the provincial government to help prevent further deaths.

After two construction-related deaths in one week, the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is looking to the provincial government to help prevent further deaths.

“We are tragically witnessing a pattern of needless, completely preventable workplace deaths,” said Building Trades business manager Patrick Dillon in a statement.

On June 27, a 46-year-old construction worker was “reportedly signaling a reversing dump truck when the worker was struck by the truck,” said Ministry of Labour spokesperson Bruce Skeaff.

The employer of the deceased was New Alliance.

On June 23, 22-year-old Sarmad Iskander died after falling from the 28th floor of a condominium project in downtown Toronto.

The Ministry of Labour is conducting investigations into both deaths.

“I expect this epidemic of workplace deaths and injuries to be addressed head-on by the government in (the) Throne Speech, to ensure that every possible effort is made to prevent further carnage,” said Dillon.

“When you’re going into work to do a job, it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a police uniform or construction gear, every worker in Ontario has the right to expect a safe work environment that employers must provide and governments must enforce.”

He added that the province’s prevention authorities, like the Ministry of Labour, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, employers and organized labour are responsible for protecting workers.

“The only way we will see safer workplaces is if they all step-up to the plate,” he said.

The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario represents 150,000 trades workers throughout the province.